The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) expresses serious concern over the recent increase in incidents of violence, hate speech and other forms of intolerance involving football supporters and youth across Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), including in Banja Luka, Doboj, Sarajevo, Stolac, Široki Brijeg, Tuzla and Zvornik. Such incidents impact the sense of safety in the affected community and beyond, undermining trust, stability and mutual respect.
As sport should provide space to bring people together, the Mission calls on authorities to demonstrate zero tolerance for such acts unequivocally, including by conducting prompt and thorough investigations whenever they do occur to establish all relevant facts and ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law. Youth and sports organisations should actively and consistently utilize all available mechanisms to prevent and address such conduct, including at or around sporting events. Given this, the Mission urges municipal authorities to ensure their funding does not benefit groups engaged in these activities. Citizens and community members can also make a meaningful impact by fulfilling their responsibility to reject violence and contribute to safe, respectful and inclusive environments for all.
